Your home's roof, looked after properly.

• A ceiling stain or drip that shows up after rain
• Shingles that are curling, cracked, missing or shedding granules into gutters
• Cracked, slipped or broken roof tiles
• Leaks around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents or where a roof meets a wall
• An older roof you want to plan for before it becomes a problem

Asphalt shingles are held in place by nails and a sealant strip. Years of valley heat dry them out: the edges curl, the protective granules wear away, and the sealant can let go — which is when wind starts lifting pieces.

A few damaged shingles can often be addressed on their own. When wear shows across most of the roof, it's usually time to talk about the bigger picture.

Clay and concrete tile handle sun well, but the tile itself isn't the waterproof layer. The underlayment beneath does that job, and it can wear out while the tiles still look fine. Broken or shifted tiles also let water reach it sooner.

Tile is also easy to crack by walking on it, which is one more reason to leave rooftop checks to a roofer.

There is not a single rule. Roof age, the extent of wear, decking condition and the number of problem areas can all affect the options. Ask how those factors apply to your roof and what a proposed repair or replacement would include.